I’m on my second reading of this book. It is a beautiful and deep meditation about the well trodden theme of the hero going out into the world, being exploited and returning. The self pity and lack of human experience of the sons is brilliantly told. Jesus did not explain his parables to his audience but did to his disciples later. By reflecting on the many layered meanings within this parable the interpretation we put upon it is more precious and we own it. The beauty of this story is even more complex when Henri Nouwen adds very welcome insights about Rembrandt’s own life and treatment of the parable. I loved his explanation of the father’s hands, the duality of father and mother, that they portray and the very personal relevance of the parable to the author’s complex spiritual and personal life. The author seems anguished but finds consolation from the meditation and discovers his own belovedness in the great bounty of God’s love. I feel there has been a personal healing and happy ending. I agree that this parable is the synthesis of all Jesus teaching.